Many Shades of Blue--Resources for Postpartum Depression in Dayton Area

There are many postpartum depression resources for women and their families in the Dayton area. For current information, please contact Many Shades of Blue, the Dayton Area Perinatal Depression Resource and Support Network at 1-866-848-3163 or locally at 1-937-401-6844.

March of Dimes site on depression during pregnancy

While most of us are aware of the occurrence of depression after pregnancy, many don't know that depression can suddenly occur during pregnancy as well. This is a good site that discusses depression occurring during pregnancy.

http://www.marchofdimes.com/pnhec/188_15663.asp

Resources for partners and family members

When someone is depressed, everyone in the family needs to learn new skills on how to cope and how to help others in the family cope. Here are a couple sites from Postpartum Support International that provide some input and resources for partners and other family members who love someone experiencing postpartum depression.

http://postpartum.net/Friends-and-Family/Tips-for-Postpartum-Partners.aspx

http://postpartum.net/Friends-and-Family/Resources-for-Fathers.aspx

http://postpartum.net/Friends-and-Family/Beyond-the-Blues-Partners.aspx

Patient Education Pamphlet

The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists publishes a short pamphlet that gives a general overview of depression in the postpartum period. This is a good starting point for those who are new to seeking information on this topic. Please click the link below.

http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp091.cfm

Mayo Clinic site on postpartum depression

The Mayo Clinic has an excellent web site that has an extensive discussion of postpartum depression. Please click on the link below.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/postpartum-depression/DS00546

Postpartum depression and dads

Recent studies show that new dads can become depressed during the postpartum period as well as moms. Here is a link to a recent publication that briefly discusses the topic.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_98910.html

Useful information on postpartum depression.

The U.S. government has a number of good sites with information on depression during and after pregnancy. Here is one of the best.

http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/depression-pregnancy.cfm

Raise awareness of depression. Volunteer, Donate, Support Walk To Washington | Walk to Washington

Raise awareness of depression. Volunteer, Donate, Support Walk To Washington | Walk to Washington

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Good General Information Site on Postpartum Depression

Here is a good reference site on depression during and after pregnancy sponsored by the US government. It contains a good overview of perinatal depression, including causes, symptoms and treatments. Please click the link below.

http://www.4woman.gov/faq/postpartum.htm

Some Lifestyle Tips to Combat Depression

Postpartum depression affects each woman differently. For some, medication is needed to control the symptoms and return to their normal lifestyle. For those who would like to try alternatives to medication, or perhaps to help their medications work better, we offer these simple lifestyle tips:

Skin to skin time with baby every day: helps with bonding, elicits hormones for bonding and feeling better. Undress baby and place on your bare chest. Then, cover to keep warm, put your feet up comfortably, and relax for half an hour.

Omega-3 fatty acids (1000-3000mg every day)

Vitamin D (800-2000 IU every day)

Bright light - helps you make vitamin D, and light helps chase away the darkness inside. Sunlight is perfect.

Exercise - Well known for improving mood, appetite and sleep. So take a walk in the sunshine every day!

Talk to a friend - face to face is best.

SLEEP! Sleep is brain restoration time. Find someone to spend the night and care for the baby when he/she wakes up so you can get a good night's sleep.

New Federal Funding for Postpartum Depression and Psychosis

New federal legislation was passed in March to provide federal money to combat postpartum depression and psychosis.

The Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act provides education and support services to women and their families suffering from postpartum depression and psychosis. The MOTHERS ACT stands for The Mom’s Opportunity to Access Health, Education, Research, and Support for Postpartum Depression Act. The new law will also support research into the causes, diagnoses and treatments for postpartum depression and psychosis.

Read more about the new law at the following website: http://www.postpartum.net/News-and-Events/Legislation.aspx

Dayton Area Health Resources Related to Postpartum Depression

There are many postpartum depression resources for women and their families in the Dayton area. For current information, please contact Many Shades of Blue, the Dayton Area Perinatal Depression Resource and Support Network at 1-866-848-3163 or locally at 1-937-401-6844.